Bike Reviews

Best known for its distinctive “triple triangle” hardtail mountain bike frames, popular in the ’90s, and, more recently, for its race-winning BMX and downhill platforms, GT has also quietly introduced a line of carbon road bikes. The Carbon Elite is the entry-point to the three-bike GTR Carbon range, which all share the same frame, and offers impressive value as well as a fast, fun ride.

The full-carbon frame was stiff enough for a range of rides, from solo recovery spins at sightseeing pace to quicker, spirited lunchtime throwdowns. GT says the bike is intended as an introductory race bike, though we were dissuaded from racing it by the compact, FSA Gossamer crank. You do get a BB30 bottom bracket, and a tapered carbon fork steerer (1 1/8- inch upper bearing, 1 ½-inch lower). Those features, combined with GT’s new F.O.C. Speed Blend carbon, give you a frame that’s stiff and unified, but doesn’t approach the nuanced, balanced bikes from GT’s big brother, Cannondale (both brands, along with Schwinn and Mongoose, are owned by Dorel Industries). By contrast, the Carbon Elite was good in every situation, but didn’t stand out in any one area.

The spec is well chosen. GT provides reliable shifting with Shimano’s 105 drivetrain components, and saves money with durable, if heavy, wheels from Alex, and RC 476 dual pivot brakes. The house-brand bar, stem, and post, all performed well. We also liked the flat paint, which proved both resistant to dirt, and easy to clean. While it lacks the sparkle of high-end race machines, a month of riding this bike showed us that it is capable, and as intended, well-suited to new racers, or anyone looking for a good value on a fast bike.—Andrew J. Bernstein

Buy It If: You still get misty-eyed when thinking about the Zaskar

Forget It If: You’re looking for an upright position, this geometry is low and aggressive